The Barnyard Theatre has paid tribute to influential composers and vocalists and even the history of South African music, but Johnny Plays Guitar takes a different turn. Running from March 15 to May 8 it is dedicated to that essential rock ‘n roll instrument - the guitar.

Johnny Plays Guitar pays tribute to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Santana, Lenny Kravitz, Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton.

When guitarist Johnny Lightning meets an agent called Willie Brown, he expresses the age-old desire for fame and fortune. Willie summons Johnny to meet at the crossroads at midnight where he is introduced to the Damien, the devil’s advocate of rock ‘n roll.

Johnny signs an ominous deal with the dubious character, takes Willie on as his manager and learns to play the guitar like never before. He achieves overnight success and, as it goes to his head, Johnny steals Damien’s woman. Damien vows to take revenge and does it by poisoning him with rock and roll’s vices. The excess of late nights and too much tequila causes Johnny to collapse on stage and be cast under Damien’s contract for eternity.

Compassionate Willie Brown comes to the rescue and manages to negotiate a deal whereby Johnny and Damien will face each other in an emotionally charged guitar duel and, should Johnny win, he’ll be set free from Damien’s clutches.

The story unfolds through an awesome cast with Barnyard regular, Barry Thomson, playing the lead role as Johnny Lightning. Lebo Mochudi is the blues man and agent Willie Brown, and Donovan Hattingh on lead guitar and vocals fills the role of Damien. Desire Henning takes on female lead vocals as Damien’s girlfriend Lucy, while the rest of the band comprises Calli Thomson on keyboards, Mali Sewell on drums and Rob Stemmert on bass guitar.

Some of rock’s greatest songs are featured in this guitar orgy including Sultans of Swing, Thunderstruck, Are You Gonna Go My Way, Johnny B Good, Juke Box Hero, Tears in Heaven and Hotel California.

Tickets R85 (Buy One Get One Free promotions Tuesdays and Sundays). For bookings and enquiries, phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatre.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatre.co.za